Filip: A Tracking Bracelet For Your Kids

There really is such a thing as too paranoid. Kids are going to do dumb things no matter what adults try to do to teach them not to, like wander off. But, at the same time, it does make sense to be able to track your kids down if they get lost, and give them a phone if they need one. Which is where Filip comes in.

A Cell Phone They Won’t Lose

Basically, Filip is a stripped down smart watch. Instead of being all things to all people, it’s designed to be one specific thing to small children, namely a phone to reach their parents, a tracking device, and an alarm button.

Need their location? It’ll tell you with a simple click, using GPS, cell tower triangulation, and WiFi networks nearby to get as precise a fix as possible. The phone is a GSM device, so it’s got a lot of coverage, and hey, it’s not like they need unlimited data, or even more than a handful of cell minutes. You can even set “safezones” for them.

In other words, you can treat your children like convicts. Hey, don’t lie: We’ve seen how they act.

Wrist-Mounted

All of this is contained in a chunky plastic wristlet in various bright colors, designed not to fall off. Also, if you’re one of those asinine parents who completely loses all ability to understand science once they reproduce, this is designed to only emit radio waves when in use and direct that radio energy away from your precious child.

Of course, this will do nothing for them since they’re getting hammered by radio waves from WDBG, Rock’s Most Overplayed Classics, but hey, if it makes you feel better.

Useful, But Lay Off The Helicoptering

In short, it’s a tracking device you can clip onto your kids to help you find them, and teach them a growing resentment of your need for control. Pricing will be revealed soon, and you can get one for the holidays.

Scott Robidoux: Filip is a Great Idea! They should probably
provide the capability for parents to subscribe to their cellphone or cable
carrier. A $10 per month price sounds about right. For younger children, it
should have a irremovable lock. This technology should also be marketed to
states needing a less costly community-based monitoring technology for
ex-felons, sex-offenders. Additionally, they could add a pulse sensor and
market it to seniors with medical conditions, especially alzheimer’s patients.
We’re very proud of the FCC certification. Parents have the peace of mind that
the child can take their parents with them on their adventure. It’s for a behavioral reason– kids take cues
from their parents. Wearable’s will become more popular among adults, and so
kids will want to wear them to mimic their parents. There is a need for a
product that keeps parents and children connected. When it comes to mobile
devices specifically, parents are concerned about cyber bullying, texting,
inappropriate content– and that’s why research shows that parents think their
kids shouldn’t have smartphones. Instead, parents and kids can balance their
connection with the right technology used in the right way. There is no
substitute for responsible parenting, but technology like the Filip brings
greater freedom to kids and parents. It’s interesting to talk to parents with
kids in our target group: they are more concerned than ever about their
children outside the safety of their home….gotek7@gmail.com